Assignment 3

The technology we use is always changing. It's always getting better, more advanced, and faster. The technology used in the 1920's was an industry boom that changed radio forever. The industry boom that was introduced in the 1920's received a huge demand for radios. Millions of Americans bought radios and used the wonderous talking box as entertainment for the night. Families huddled around the radio listening to their favorite shows on a nightly basis. Children were brought up on the radio listening to stories of adventure and excitement.

The increase of technological and demand for the radio increased the amounts of radio channels to choose from. The boom led to channels in all sorts of genres. Action, adventure, news, entertainment, comedy, morning shows, sports, and all you can think of. The radio introduced music to the people as a whole. Therefore leading to the buying of records. The economic gain from the expansion of the radio was very significant. The radio created jobs, entertained, and spread its influence due to the growing popularity.

In the US, radio has become a staple for entertainment, music, and marketing. The current time has XM Radio where there is no ads, but it is more expensive. The constant evolution of the radio has led it to be on of the leading media outlets to people in the world.

Assignment 2

Do you ever hear a song either on the radio or on your ipod and a product comes to mind? Apple has used this to perfection using hip upbeat music for their ipod commercials. Priming is a weapon used by advertisers to put an emotion or feeling on a certain image or sound. Everytime you hear that song you are compelled to think about a product or an emotion that comes from that. Catharsis is similar to priming in that there is an emotional charge that is felt when an event happens. Catharsis is something you may feel at the end of a really dramatic movie. I feel that priming and catharsis are two very important words that involve the media and the masses.

An example is the opening slow-mo scene in Reservoir Dogs. Where George Bakers "Little Green Bag" is used to perfection in setting the tone for the rest of the movie. Whenever I hear that song, I always think of the suit-clad gang walking, without a care in the world, to their ultimate destiny.

I was watching TV the other day and this ad came on. Instantly you catch the jingle in your head and it is forever affiliated with that ad. It is so annoying and catchy you cant help but listen.

Assignment 1

Framing is how a person or issue is portrayed and what is associated with them when it comes to mind. This issue is illustrated in the two documentaries we saw in the screening class. In Killing Us Softly women are framed as sex objects. In Tough Guise men are portrayed as violence-minded animals. These documentaries show how these frames can ultimately make people act in that way. Reinforcement through the constant ads and commercials that are displayed on TV make people believe that this is the way it is.

Framing through the art of television and film are most effective on the masses. You would not see Arnold Schwarzenegger in a movie where he gives up his deepest emotions and talks about his problems. Just as you would not see Carmen Electra in a movie about the dehumanization of people in the Sudan. These ultra-stereotypical roles that actors and actressess play sell tickets and that is the reasoning behind it. Sylvester Stallone with a machette and an AK-47 will sell more than Sylvester Stallone Stallone reading a book and talking about his life on Wall Street.

With the exception of Kindergarden Cop....

First Post

I've never made a blog before. I guess there is a time and a place for everything, right? I guess I can start this maiden post off with a little about myself. I'm originally from New Jersey. I play hockey. I like movies that entertain and make me think. My favorite movie is Hot Rod.

Music is also a big part of my life. I like just about everything but I have phases of music in which I continously listen to that type of music until i move onto another type. As of right now I am listening to 90's grunge music. It's great. Alice in Chains, Soundgarden are the two bands that I am listening to over and over.

I guess I need to end this post with something remotely interesting so I will post what I am listening to this very second. In my rain-logged house in north campus I am tapping my foot to the relaxing and soul-soothing song No Excuses by Alice in Chains. The MTV unplugged version of the song is my favorite. Enjoy.